Before the Ride – Facing Anticipation Anxiety and Imposter Syndrome

There’s a strange tension that builds before a trip—the kind that sits just below the surface. You’ve got the plan. You’ve got the route. You might even be looking forward to it. But your mind keeps circling. What if something goes wrong? What if I can’t handle it? What if I don’t actually belong out there?

That’s anticipation anxiety. And sometimes, it brings along its quieter, sharper cousin: imposter syndrome.

Even when I’m planning something simple—a solo ride, a weekend away, or just a new stop I’ve been meaning to check out—I feel it. My body gets tense, my thoughts start spiraling, and a part of me wonders whether I should just cancel. Stay home. Avoid the unknown.

But over time, I’ve figured out a few things that help quiet the noise and let me move forward anyway.

Plan Early, Pack Slow

Waiting until the last minute only adds pressure. I’ve started building my packing list a few days ahead of time, slowly gathering what I need—gear, meds, tools, chargers, whatever makes things feel solid. Having it laid out and ready makes the trip feel less like a threat and more like a choice.

Counter the Worst-Case Scenarios

Anxious thoughts tend to jump straight to disaster: I’ll get lost. I’ll panic. I’ll forget something critical. When that happens, I pause and picture the opposite—calm moments on the road, finding a great meal, handling the unexpected with more ease than I expected. I don’t pretend everything will be perfect. I just remind myself that good things are just as possible as bad ones.

Keep Your Routine Grounded

In the days leading up to a trip, sticking to a daily routine helps. Morning coffee. A short walk. A few minutes of breathwork. Even something as simple as eating the same breakfast helps my nervous system stay calm when my mind wants to wander.

Say It Out Loud

Telling someone I trust—“Hey, I’m a little on edge about this trip”—takes the pressure off. The fear loses weight when it’s not bottled up. Sometimes just naming it is enough to start loosening its grip.

Recognize the Physical Signs

That tension in your chest, the racing thoughts, the flutter in your gut—it’s easy to assume it’s fear. But sometimes, it’s just adrenaline. Your body might be reacting not to danger, but to excitement. I’ve learned to ask: Is this fear, or is this just energy? That shift in mindset can make a big difference.

Have a Backup Plan

If anxiety shows up mid-trip, I don’t fight it—I work with it. I have tools ready: breathing exercises, a playlist that calms me down, grounding techniques I’ve practiced over the years. Just knowing I’ve got a plan makes it easier to relax in the moment.

Call Out Imposter Syndrome

Sometimes the anxiety isn’t about the logistics. It’s about identity. Who am I to take this trip? I’m not skilled enough, experienced enough, confident enough. That’s imposter syndrome doing what it does best—making you question what you’ve already earned.

Here’s what I remind myself: Wanting rest, adventure, or change doesn’t require anyone’s permission. You don’t need a stamp of approval to explore, grow, or take up space. Feeling uncomfortable doesn’t mean you’re an imposter—it means you’re human, and maybe even on the edge of something important.

Final Thoughts:

Anticipation anxiety and imposter syndrome can make even the best trips feel like a bad idea. But they don’t get the final word. I’ve learned to move with them—not against them—and take the trip anyway. Not because I’m fearless. But because I’ve been through it before, and I know what’s waiting on the other side: freedom, clarity, the satisfaction of showing up for myself.

Brake, Bite, Breathe

— Dom